While planning a wedding can leave one harrowed by "the big day," there are some strategies both brides and grooms can use to make events go as smoothly as possible. Common sense needs to rule the day no matter what goes wrong; and rest assured, all won't go exactly as planned. If both brides and grooms are on board with making the wedding day go as smoothly as possible, even the mishaps can be seen as favorite memories in the days and years to come.

In most weddings, the bride has done most of the planning. The final say belongs to her when choosing wedding attire, locations, food, and entertainment. Along with the fun of having elements that are most important to the bride comes the responsibility of adequately planning ahead so that very little is left for the last minute. Even the last minute items should be thought of and scheduled in advance.

As a wedding consultant, I strongly recommend making lists. Make an overall list of what needs to be done. Then, assign those helping you appropriate items on the list. Most importantly, put due dates on each item. Keep a master list of due dates and check in with the responsible person to ensure that the task is complete. For some good advice on what should go on the lists, check out www.bridalblog.info and www.travelblogger.info

The bride should save absolutely nothing on a list for the wedding day. Find out when you can get into your ceremony and reception location. If you can get in before the wedding day, take full advantage of the opportunity to drop off as much as possible two days before the wedding. If you are unable to gain access to the facilities until two hours before the ceremony, pack everything in the car you will need (aside from valuables) two days before the wedding. By the way, if you can't get into a ceremony facility more than two hours before the ceremony, you might want to consider looking elsewhere.

The main focus on the wedding day should be physically preparing the bride for her wedding ceremony and reception. In order to look and feel your best, do not stay too long at the rehearsal dinner and go straight home afterwards. You want to be as well-rested and un-hung-over as possible. Save the partying for the honeymoon.

Be sure to confirm with those responsible for hair and make-up at least two days before the ceremony, even if they are family and friends. If it is in the budget, I would recommend hiring outside professionals to do the work. Friends have things that come up and they may be less like to adhere to a schedule than a professional. You don't want to be upset with a dear friend on your wedding day when it all could have been avoided in the first place.

Once hair and make up are done and the bride is dressed, it's time to just wait. Take the time to treasure those around you. If you are moving away, this may be the last time for a long time that you will all be in the same room. If and when things don't go exactly as planned, take a deep breath and just keep on going. People will admire you for your poise and just may remember your reaction more than the mishap.

Pepper Montero
http://www.bridalblog.info
http://www.travelblogger.info
http://www.thewebllama.com